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SAMPLING OF FOOD AND DRUGS - CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Pood and drugs samples are examined by the Council's Public Analyst, Mr. W.B. Chapman,
B.Sc., P.R.I.C., and his deputy Mr. E.H.W.J. Burden, B.Sc., P.R.I.C. They are both
officers of the Scientific Branch of the Greater London Council, and an annual block
payment is made by this Council to cover the cost of the services provided. The
analytical work is carried out in laboratories which are staffed and equipped to
undertake a wide variety of investigations. Apart from food and drugs these include
water pollution and sewage treatment, sampling of water from swimming pools, air
pollution, ventilation, noise and vibration, fire precautions, petroleum, fertilisers
and feeding stuffs, radiochemistry and general supplies and services.
During the year, 800 samples comprising 15 formal and 785 informal samples of food
and drugs were taken and submitted to the Public Analyst for examination, which is in
accordance with the Ministry recommendation.
Of the 800 samples examined, 86 were found to be unsatisfactory. There were
several cases which are worthy of mention, where compositional standards and other
similar requirements were below the specified minima. Informal sampling of minced
beef at a butcher's shop revealed the presence of sulphur dioxide which is not
permitted by the Preservatives in Pood Regulations, 1962. A subsequent formal sample
was also proved on analysis to contain sulphur dioxide as a preservative contrary
to the Regulations, and legal proceedings were taken. The Magistrates imposed a fine
of £25 and awarded £6.6.0d. costs to the Council. A successful prosecution followed
the sale of palm oil containing more than the permitted amount of lead, contrary to
the Lead in Pood Regulations, 1961; a fine of £25 was imposed and £10 costs were
awarded to the Council. Sampling of yoghourt revealed the presence of preservatives,
sorbic and benzoic acid, which are not permitted in this country in specified foods.
The preservative had been added to the puree used to flavour the yoghourt. The
Preservatives in Pood Regulations are at present under review by the Pood Additives
and Contaminents Committee and as a result it is possible that these preservatives
may be permitted in the fruit used for yoghourt manufacture.
An interesting point arose out of the sampling of flour. Most flours are required
to contain added chalk in order to replace calcium lost during milling. Objection was
taken to a sample which contained more chalk than the permitted maximum. It was found
that the millers experience difficulty in complying with the Bread and Flour
Regulations, 1963. This matter was referred to the Local Authority in whose area the
mill is situated.
LABELLING OF FOOD ORDER
Samples of food and drugs subjected to chemical analysis were also scrutinised to
determine whether or not they complied, where necessary, with the requirements of the
Labelling of Pood Order, 1953, and the labelling provisions of other Regulations.
Irregularities in labelling were discovered in 86 instances and in all cases the
attention of manufacturers and packers or importers was drawn to the infringements.
In the majority of cases arrangements were made to print new labels for stocks
immediately or undertakings were accepted that new labels would be designed and used as
soon as existing stocks became exhausted. A summary of the irregularities found is as
follows:
Incorrect or inadequate description 13
No name and address 11
Incorrect or inadequate list of ingredients 5
No list of ingredients 17
Misleading statements 8
Use of generic terms 22
Incorrect statutory declaration 10
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